Asia’s Amazing Autumn
As we approach high summer it is not long before the days slowly start shortening, reminding us of another change of
season ahead. Whilst our own autumn is full of wonder, when the clocks go back there is no better time to escape the
dark and cold for a brighter perspective. So, for those planning ahead, we have put together some ideas for travelling
to Asia at this time of the year, which includes the October half term, when the climate is ideal in many of our
destinations.
October – the best month for Laos?
Mid-autumn is the optimum time to visit Laos. After the summer rains recede, and just before the November harvest
begins in earnest, the countryside is at its lushest, when verdant green paddy fields contrast against vivid blue skies.
This is a great time to explore rural areas, particularly amongst the dramatic karst scenery of the north. Even a shorter
trip, such as our ‘Escape to Laos’, offers alluring adventures including kayaking on the Nam Song River around Vang Vieng,
or trekking through isolated villages around Nong Khiaw. With water levels at their highest this is also a fine time to
explore Laos’s myriad waterways; travelling by boat opens up some truly untouched corners of both north and south,
as featured on our private tour ‘Magic of the Mekong’, or perhaps travelling in style on ‘The Laos Pandaw’.
Autumn Colours in Japan
Whilst spring in Japan is synonymous with cherry blossom, autumn is all about the ‘Koyo’ (colourful leaves) and is arguably
the best time of year to visit. Starting in the northern island of Hokkaido in September, a sea of colour sweeps south across
the forests of Japan until late-November, as the trees prepare to shed their leaves, creating some quite breathtaking
landscapes. The climate in autumn is generally dry but without the intense heat of the summer months, which makes it an
excellent time to do some walking. We recommend getting away from the cities and heading out to the rolling hills and
mountains of the Nagano Prefecture, where there are some scenic and manageable walks along the ancient Nakasendo
Highway in the Kiso Valley, as featured in our “In Search of Ancient Japan” tour. The famous ‘Ninja Trail’ near the village of
Togakushi, in the north of the prefecture is another beautiful trail to see the autumn leaves. For more spiritual trails head to
the Wakayama Prefecture and walk some of the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage trails, as featured in our ‘Japan’s Spiritual Heartland’
tour.
The Himalayas: Nepal & Bhutan
The autumn period in Nepal & Bhutan brings with it warm weather and clear skies making it the perfect time to visit whether
you are looking to trek, go on a safari or explore the back streets of the capitals Kathmandu or Thimphu. For the best chance
of viewing the mighty Himalayan peaks we recommend visiting from mid-October to late November when conditions are at
their most clear. What’s more the festivals of Dashain & Tihar (Nepal – September & October) and Jambay Lhakhang (Bhutan – October/November) make autumn the perfect time to soak up some traditional Himalayan culture. In Nepal we have three
sample itineraries including the two-week ‘Classic Nepal’ covering Kathmandu, Nuwakot, Bandipur, Pokhara and the Chitwan
National Park. In Bhutan we have four trips including the 16 day ‘India & Bhutan: Taj Mahal & Tigers Nest’, which visits
Kathmandu (Nepal), Thimphu, Punakha, Paro and Nagarkot (Nepal). Or to combine both countries take a look at our
‘Treasures of Nepal & Bhutan’.
Autumn in Southwest China
The vast country of China is at its best in autumn, once the country has shaken free of the wet summer months and before
winter arrives, bringing icy temperatures to the north. In Southwest China autumn lasts from September through to mid-
November, and the warm dry air creates the perfect conditions to get off-the-beaten-track and explore some of China’s
most varied and spectacular scenery. Guangxi is famous for the karst mountains around Yangshuo and the spectacular
Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces, and is an easy gateway to getting out into the countryside and away from the hectic
urban centres. Nearby Guizhou is home to many colourful minority villages, and as yet remains less developed and touristy
than its more famous neighbours - see our 'South China Explorer' tour for more ideas here. The high-speed train network
has recently made Yunnan more accessible than ever, and autumn is the perfect time to head to the more rugged and
mountainous north of the country, and tackle Tiger Leaping Gorge or visit the Tibetan villages around Zhongdian and
beyond, before winter arrives.
